Multicultural fun in Shepparton

Event organiser Morry McKellar said the night was a way of launching the St Georges Rd Neighbourhood Plan and would feature activities such as bocce, volleyball, foosball and kabaddi. There will also be a soccer match between Shepparton police and Shepparton Ethnic Council members.

Mr McKellar said the event would take up all of Victory Park with the first 100 meals free and activities such as henna painting and lucky draw prize vouchers from businesses up for grabs. Mr McKellar lives along St Georges Rd and said the neighbourhood plan would hopefully see some positive things happening in the area.

“We want to let people know what we’re actually up to,” he said. “We’re trying to get a drink fountain. We’re thinking about doing a community garden. ‘‘For the shop owners in St Georges Rd we’re trying to get more parking.”

Mr McKellar said these were things the community wanted, not just the committee. “Part of the plan too, is more community games for the different (groups) that we’ve got around the area,” he said. ‘‘We’ve got backing from council for some of the things already, we just have to now put in an application and then they come back to us and we try to raise some money too, I guess to help out.”

Anointed Band front man Machinda Maulidi said he was looking forward to performing with his band at the event. I’m feeling very good, we’re going to meet up with different people (and) we’re learning a different culture,” he said.

Mr Maulidi migrated from Congo to Australia in 2008 and said he had learned music from an early age. The Anointed Band features 18 people including children and will play African-inspired gospel music at the event.

Mr McKellar said he was thankful to Game Traffic Control, Greater Shepparton City Council, Shepparton police, the Shepparton Ethnic Council and People Supporting People for their help and support with the event.

Anyone who lives, works or plays in the St Georges Rd area and would like to join the committee can phone Melinda Weston at Greater Shepparton City Council on 58329700. The event will be at Victory Park, St Georges Rd on Friday from 6pm to 9pm.

Entry is free and everyone is encouraged to attend, no matter what part of Greater Shepparton they live in.